As journalism continues to navigate a period of profound transition, the next generation of newsroom leaders is doubling down on public value, creativity, and changemaking.
The Journalism Innovation (JI) Leaders Spring 2025 Forum, part of the Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme at the Media Innovation Studio, University of Central Lancashire*, brings together professionals from across the media landscape to explore how journalism can work better - for communities, for collaboration, and for meaningful change.
This hybrid event takes place on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, from 14:00 to 16:30 BST. Participants are welcome to join in person at the Media Factory in Preston or attend online from anywhere in the world.
Alison Gow, member of the JILeaders Board of Industry Advisors and Mentors and Associate Faculty on the programme, will serve as host and MC, guiding the afternoon’s conversations.
The forum will feature contributions from a diverse and inspiring line-up of media leaders, including editors, founders, and strategists who are redefining journalism in their own contexts. Each of the three sessions will be chaired by news executives currently participating in the Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme, who bring first-hand experience and insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
Programme highlights
14:00 – Welcome
Alison Gow, JILeaders Board of Industry Advisors and Mentors, Associate Faculty
🔹 14:05 – Panel 1: Local News – Doubling Down on Community
How can local journalism rebuild trust and deepen relevance?
Chair: Lucas Batt, Greater Community Media (JILeaders Class of 2025)
Speakers:
- Catarina Carvalho, Founder and Editor, Mensagem de Lisboa
- Oliver Rouane-Williams, Founder, co.uk
- Michael MacLeod, Edinburgh and London Minute
🔹 14:50 – Panel 2: The Future is CoLab
How is collaboration reshaping the way we produce, manage, and sustain journalism?
Chair: Dan McLaughlin, Reach Plc (JILeaders Class of 2025)
Speakers:
- Sarah Lester, Editor, Manchester Evening News
- Munir Al-Khatib, Editor-in-Chief, Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism
🔹 15:40 – Panel 3: Harnessing Changemaking
What does it take to lead meaningful change in journalism today?
Chair: Sofia Delgado, Metro (JILeaders Class of 2025)
Speakers:
- Naomi Owusu, Co-founder, Tickaroo
- Dan Owen, Media Strategist
16:25 – Close
Dr François Nel, Director of the Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme
This Spring Forum is part of the intensive study block of the part-time, postgraduate distance learning Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme. Executives in the 2025 cohort—drawn from a range of roles and regions—will use the event to test ideas, build connections, and engage the wider industry in shaping the future of journalism.
The JILeaders Programme is proudly supported by a committed group of industry partners. We are especially grateful to our Gold Sponsor, Arc XP—a technology company born in the newsroom of The Washington Post, and a driving force for innovation in the media sector.
We also thank our Silver Sponsors—FT Strategies, Bright Sites, and The Journalists’ Charity—and our Bronze Sponsors—Chrysalis Transformations, Media Lab Jordan, and Tickaroo—for their continued investment not only in the programme, but in the future of journalism leadership. Their support spans mentorship, strategic insight, and a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable media ecosystem.
Click to Register